The Ontario Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of a blaze at a high rise building in Centretown that led to two deaths.
Ottawa Fire Services received a call from a monitoring agency reporting active fire alarms at a building in the 300 block of Somerset St. W. shortly after 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
Multiple 9-1-1 calls were also placed, reporting a fire in on the 19th floor of an apartment building. Fire Services says one caller contacted 9-1-1 from the balcony of the unit on fire, saying they were trapped due to intense heat, heavy smoke and flames.
Upon arrival, firefighters quickly determined the fire was serious and worked fast to rescue the trapped occupants
Crews made their way to the 19th floor where they were met with heavy smoke and flames from floor to ceiling.
Responders advanced a hose line and began to search for trapped occupants. Three unconcious residents were found inside the unit. A fourth resident was located on the balcony. That occupant was conscious.
A fifth resident was assisted out of a neighbouring unit.
All of the rescued occupants received treatment from paramedics. Two residents received CPR but were later pronounced deceased.
Inside the unit, firefighters were able to contain the spread and the fire was declared under control shortly after 10 p.m.
An Ottawa Fire Investigator attended the scene and the Ontario Fire Marshall will also be attending as the fire remains under investigation.
A fire watch remains in place and a fire truck is on scene to monitor for any potential flare-ups.